Balestier - A Heritage Trail

Balestier Road Singapore

Named after the first American consul to Singapore in the 1830s, Balestier Road is an historic district that continues to thrive today. Visitors can walk the Balestier Heritiage Trail, which includes stops along the way such as the Goh Chor Tua Pek Kong Temple and Art Deco shophouses. Most shophouses - small multi-story buildings with a shop at street level and residences above - continue to operate today, selling lighting fixtures, bath tiles and more. This is also the neighborhood for popular, well-priced local foods. Eateries serve up specialities like the Chicken Rice and BakKutTeh.

Details

Prices -

Walking the Heritage Trail is free. You can downlaod an iPhone or Android app. Prices vary at shops, restaurants and museums.

Hours -

Varies by business.

Events

Open House Days

Balestier Heritage Race

Food Tours

Meet Ups

Activities

Heritage Trail

Dining

Shophouses

Museums

Balestier Point

Attractions

Sun Yat Sen Nanyang Memorial Hall

Goh ChorTuaPek Kong Temple

Masjid HajjahRahimabiKebunLimau

The Former Shaw Malay Film Studios

MahaSasanaRamsi Burmese Buddhist Temple

Sim Kwong Ho Shophouses

FAQs

What do locals know is special about Balestier Road?

This is the place to go for delicious Singaporean specialities. Chicken rice is one of those, a savory dish that's enhanced with a chili sauce dip on the side. Another is bak kut teh, a pungent, herbs and spice soup of pork ribs, veggies and broth. Several restaurants along Balestier Road serve these dishes, and locals debate which is the best.

How is Paul Revere connected to Balestier Road?

Balestier Road is named for the first American consul to Singapore, Joseph Balestier. He served from 1837 to 1852. He owned the Balestier Sugar Plantation, and the road before it was named for him. His wife was Maria Revere Balestier, the daughter of American Revolutionary Paul Revere. The Balestiers donated a Revere Bell to St. Andrews Church, today, St. Andrews Cathedral.